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Carnival of Personal Finance #161: The “Feeling Renewed” Edition

Happy Monday and welcome to the 161st Carnival of Personal Finance! This week’s theme is renewal, because I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. It’s been a central focus of my site, “The Budgeting Babe” since I started blogging in 2004 with a little savings, a lot of debt and a weakness for power shopping.

When I developed The Budgeting Babe, I did it knowing that my 20’s were a time for reinvention, the decade when I would officially “grow up” and define who I would eventually become. Today, going on 29, I’m happy to be a financially independent, fiscally fit (most days), free-spirited, fun loving woman. But while I’ve spent all this time reinventing myself in hopes of growing into a mature, financially savvy adult, it never occurred to me this week that rebirth, reinvention and growth never stop.

All around me lately, I see friends and family in the midst of change and fresh starts, most incredibly positive (new jobs, new roles as a mother or farther), yet some negative (foreclosures, layoffs). And in the midst it all, it has occurred to me that life is all about growth and renewal. Just because you’re fiscally fit today can’t predict who or where you’ll be in five years. Picking yourself up after a long slump, or reevaluating yourself to manage life’s changes are key to your ability to succeed financially.

On that note, here are my editor’s picks for the week:

  • Twiggers at In Debt Because I Like Nice Things has started a three part series on selling your stuff. Those of you thinking about starting fresh must read her exhaustive and helpful tips for sorting through your past life.
  • Young Black and Prosperous has hit a new milestone: she’s engaged! And she has the best savings plan ever for affording a wedding. Who cares how long it takes? They’re smart, young and in love.

Enjoy the editor’s picks this week, but don’t stop there! Each category listed below features wonderful writing, thought-provoking articles and fabulous financial tips. It’s been an absolute pleasure hosting this week and I hope you enjoy the rest of the articles. Read on for more of this week’s best of PF blogging.

BUDGETING
My two cents: It’s never too late, or too early, to start a budget. If you’ve been thinking about it, today’s the day to start! And here’s some inspiration.

  • The Happy Rock has a pretty good breakdown of his financial hole. It’s interesting to read and compare strategies. I personally was shocked at the cost of day care!


CREDIT
Up to your eyeballs in credit card debt? Figure out a plan to pay it back and start living again. For those starting out on their repayment journeys, here are a few great resources.


DEBT


ECONOMY
The news has been bad lately, hasn’t it? Our economy is due for a renewal, I think…


FINANCE


FRUGALITY
Lookng to reinvent yourself? Read about those who have discovered the benefits of the frugal life.

  • Chief Family Officer writes about coupon problems. Oh how we love to clip and save!
  • Sallie’s Niece figures she spend $900 on Gyros, and she’s done with ‘em!
  • GradGirl finds a good use, and a good cause, for old bridesmaid dresses. Awesome!


INVESTING
This is where I’d like to grow my knowledge. Maybe the Budgeting Babe will someday become a Dividends Diva!


MONEY MANAGEMENT
Great advice here for those in search of a renewal of balance.

  • DJ at the Family Wallet shares details about insurance needs when you have a new baby.
  • Madison at My Dollar Plan shares advice for your mid-year money check-up.


REAL ESTATE
Buying property? Then you’re in the midst of a financial reinvention! Read on and support your new goals.


RETIREMENT
For the ultimate rebirth: The day when you leave work behind and do what you’ve always dreamed of with your free time.

  • Dan at Everyday Finance looks at 401 asset allocation and shows what you can do to protect your nest egg.


SAVING
It might not be a big deal for anyone else, but the day I opened a savings account with direct deposit was the day my life changed.


SPENDING
Renewal is about a commitment to a larger goal, and baby steps help you get there. Cutting back on spending is one of those baby steps.


TAXES

  • BeThisWay wants to know where his sales tax holiday is this year. Sales tax holiday? Are you kidding? Where do I sign up?


TRAVEL
Because we’re all in need of a good summer vacation to feel refreshed and renewed, I opened up a new category. It’s a little self-serving for me, but I eat these articles up!


And that rounds out this week’s edition! If you didn’t make it in this week’s edition, it’s likely due to the cut-off time I had to implement this evening in order for me to get some work in. Your submissions will be considered for next week’s Carnival.

I hope you all have a fabulous week, and if you’re new to The Budgeting Babe, be sure to check me out from time to time.

Thanks to Flexo for being such an amazing PF steward. You rock.

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